Sunday, December 2, 2007

Blasphemy, Theology and Teddy Bears

The current Teddy Bear Blasphemy case in the Sudan raises some interesting questions.

While we're outraged at calls for British teacher Gillian Gibbons' death by angry mobs of Muslims, doesn't Christian theology promise eternal death for the same offense?

(Matt.12.31: Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.)

Back to the Sudan's Sharia law: if you think "nothing like this could ever happen in the United States," than say hello to Christian Reconstructionism. Many of these pious individuals would love to see our government turn into a theocracy, complete with Old Testament style punishments for "sins" not even considered crimes under U.S. law.

Ultimately, religious folk must ask each other for a simple favor: "Let us treat one another with more mercy than our God."